Flying hammock for Boeing 777

British Airways’ new Boeing 777 aircraft will feature a new seat known as “the flying hammock”, designed by Jones Garrard, when it is launched later this year.

BA general manager Robbie Baird says the seat is unusual in that it “combines the roles of your favourite armchair, bed and seating used in a restaurant, cinema or office”. The seat was commissioned in response to people “getting taller and fatter”, according to BA research. It will be available to business class Club World passengers and follows Jones Garrard’s previous work on BA seats.

Leicester-based Jones Garrard won a credentials pitch against three other consultancies. “Aeroplane seats are usually L-shaped and notoriously uncomfortable. We wanted to do something special,” says consultancy director Michael Rodber.

The seat offers adjustable “ears” to support a sleeping head, a leg-rest structure which can match thigh length and an air lumbar bag for lower-back support.